Notting Hill 1999 By Rancosto on Dec 19, 2007 - Updated Oct 15, 2011

This implausible romance story explores the theme of a famous actress falling in love with an unknown bookstore clerk. I suppose we all want a fairy tale once in a while, no matter how old we are, so here is one, set in contemporary London.

Anna Scott (Julia Roberts), a Hollywood star, travels to England and walks into a small bookshop in Notting Hill. There she meets William (Hugh Grant), a kind, modest, and lonely gentleman. Anna, as it turns out, longs for a "normal" life, tired of the shallow and insincere celebrity lifestyle. William finds it difficult to get over his divorce and meet another woman. The unlikely couple falls in love. Difficulties start almost right away, from Paparazzi to Anna's Hollywood boyfriend.

The movie is very likable, despite being unrealistic and predictable. Its major flaw, I would say, is casting Hugh Grant as an "ordinary guy" (although he plays his part very well). As a female friend of mine put it, "If you ever see a bookstore clerk who looks like that, let me know."

This Collector Edition DVD includes all the regular additions like commentaries, behind the scenes and deleted scenes plus Notting Hill travel guide.